The 3 Best Ways To Prepare For A Successful Open House
Even though you may be ready to move out of your current abode and start the next chapter elsewhere, the process to actually do so can seem endless: from taking the appropriate steps to improve your credit for a mortgage, finding your dream home, packing up your stuff, and finding a buyer for your current home… To reduce a bit of stress throughout this process, it’s crucial that you take some extra time to deliver a home that has buyers clamoring to sign on the dotted line.
Here are three key preparations to consider before showcasing your property.
Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
Increase The Resale Value
Outdated kitchens and bathrooms, wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, poor curb appeal (landscaping) dated lighting fixtures and hardware are among the top buyer turnoffs — but they’re also on the top list of projects to increase the value of your home, so why not kill two birds with one stone by investing in some home improvements? Getting a bigger ROI on your sale can come in handy if you’re looking to upgrade, especially keeping in mind that homes for sale in Phoenix have a median listing price of $265K. Just make sure you have an established budget before breaking ground so you don’t end up losing money instead.
Handle DIY projects like painting (neutral colors are most appealing), wallpaper removal, and hardware upgrades yourself, but leave complicated projects like a complete room renovation to a pro. It’s likely that there will be permit and safety issues to deal with when it comes to electrical, plumbing and structural changes.
Get A Deep Clean
If your house has been under construction — even simple repairs — you’re going to want to invest in a professional deep clean to clear away all the dust, dirt and grime. Attempting to do this yourself is not only a waste of your time, but pros are trained to make a home look new — not just tidy. Get the carpets, curtains and upholstery steam cleaned — especially if you have pets — to eliminate stains and allergens. This is a good rule to abide by regardless of remodeling as a filthy home is another top buyer turn off.
Stage For Success
Last, but certainly not least, staging your home is an absolute must. Start by removing tired or tacky furnishings — don’t take this personally; you need to create a space that appeals to the masses. Distracting themes (think a room that resembles a hunting lodge or fairy castle if you have kids) and dizzy vignettes distract from the space itself, so simplify by decluttering and depersonalizing. This includes anything related to a hobby or profession, pet items and niche decor. Make sure the house looks seamless from indoor to outdoor and room-to-room. For example, you have amazing curb appeal, but one step in the front door and you’re greeted with a cluttered mess in a ‘70s wallpapered foyer.
The day of the open house, make sure the curtains are open and each room is well-lit. Soft music is fine, but keep it neutral (think soft classical or jazz — just not elevator music.) Freshly cut flowers, candles and light refreshments are a nice touch. Consider setting up a dining or living room area as though you were going to be entertaining for company to help visitors picture their own pleasant moments.
Statistics show that most buyers start their search online — especially with their cell phones — so don’t post any photos unless they’re an accurate representation of your what your residence will look like on open house day. If you’re looking to sell fast, create a solid timeline and stick to it so you don’t get off track. Just make sure it’s realistic so you don’t end up rushing and wasting your efforts by producing less-than-satisfactory results.
Contributed by Kris Louis
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